Imiquimod

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Imiquimod
Adult Indications & Dosage
Pediatric Indications & Dosage
Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Adverse Reactions
Drug Interactions
Use in Specific Populations
Administration & Monitoring
Overdosage
Pharmacology
Clinical Studies
How Supplied
Images
Patient Counseling Information
Precautions with Alcohol
Brand Names
Look-Alike Names

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Deepika Beereddy, MBBS [2]

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Overview

Imiquimod is an immnunologic adjuvant that is FDA approved for the treatment of actinic keratosis, external genital warts. Common adverse reactions include erythema, edema, erosion/ulceration, exudate, scabbing/crusting, headache, application site pain, application site irritation, application site pruritus, fatigue, influenza-like illness, and nausea.

Adult Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Adult)

Actinic Keratosis
  • ZYCLARA Cream, 2.5% and 3.75% are indicated for the topical treatment of clinically typical visible or palpable, actinic keratoses (AK), of the full face or balding scalp in immunocompetent adults.
  • Dosing Information
  • ZYCLARA Cream should be applied once daily before bedtime to the skin of the affected area (either entire face or balding scalp) for two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week no-treatment period. ZYCLARA Cream should be applied as a thin film to the entire treatment area and rubbed in until the cream is no longer visible. Up to 0.5 grams (2 packets or 2 full actuations of the pump) of ZYCLARA Cream may be applied to the treatment area at each application. ZYCLARA Cream should be left on the skin for approximately 8 hours, after which time the cream should be removed by washing the area with mild soap and water. The prescriber should demonstrate the proper application technique to maximize the benefit of ZYCLARA Cream therapy.
  • Patients should wash their hands before and after applying ZYCLARA Cream.
  • Avoid use in or on the lips and nostrils. Do not use in or near the eyes.
  • Local skin reactions in the treatment area are common. A rest period of several days may be taken if required by the patient's discomfort or severity of the local skin reaction. However, neither 2-week treatment cycle should be extended due to missed doses or rest periods. A transient increase in lesion counts may be observed during treatment. Response to treatment cannot be adequately assessed until resolution of local skin reactions. The patient should continue dosing as prescribed. Treatment should continue for the full treatment course even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone. Lesions that do not respond to treatment should be carefully re-evaluated and management reconsidered.
  • Prescribe no more than 2 boxes (56 packets), two 7.5g pumps or one 15g pump for the total 2-cycle treatment course. Partially-used packets should be discarded and not reused.
External Genital Warts
  • ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75% is indicated for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts (EGW)/condyloma acuminata in patients 12 years or older.
  • Dosing Information
  • Patients should apply a thin layer of ZYCLARA Cream once a day to the external genital/perianal warts until total clearance or for up to 8 weeks. Patients should use up to 0.25 grams (one packet or one full actuation of the pump) at each application, which is a sufficient amount of cream to cover the wart area. ZYCLARA Cream should be applied prior to normal sleeping hours and left on the skin for approximately 8 hours, then removed by washing the area with mild soap and water. The prescriber should demonstrate the proper application technique to maximize the benefit of ZYCLARA Cream therapy.
  • Patients should wash their hands before and after applying ZYCLARA Cream.
  • Local skin reactions at the treatment site are common, and may necessitate a rest period of several days; resume treatment once the reaction subsides. Non-occlusive dressings such as cotton gauze or cotton underwear may be used in the management of skin reactions.
  • Prescribe up to 2 boxes (56 packets), two 7.5g pumps or one 15g pump for the total treatment course. Use of excessive amounts of cream should be avoided. Partially-used packets should be discarded and not reused.
Superficial basal cell carcinoma, on trunk, neck, or extremities; when surgical methods are less appropriate and follow-up is assured
  • Dosing Information
  • Tumors 0.5 cm to less than 1 cm in diameter, apply a 4 mm diameter cream droplet (10 mg); tumors 1 cm to less than 1.5 cm in diameter, apply a 5 mm diameter cream droplet (25 mg); tumors 1.5 cm to 2 cm in diameter, apply a 7 mm cream droplet (40 mg of cream)

Limitations of Use

  • Imiquimod cream has been evaluated in children ages 2 to 12 years with molluscum contagiosum and these studies failed to demonstrate efficacy.
  • Treatment with ZYCLARA Cream has not been studied for prevention or transmission of HPV.

Unevaluated Populations

  • The safety and efficacy of ZYCLARA Cream have not been established in the treatment of:

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Adult)

Guideline-Supported Use

Condyloma acuminatum, external - HIV infection

  • Recommendation: Adult, Class IIb
  • Strength of Evidence: Adult, Category B
  • Dosing information
  • For the treatment of uncomplicated external genital warts in patients with human immunodeficiency virus, apply imiquimod 5% cream to the lesion at bedtime, 3 times per week on nonconsecutive nights. Wash with soap and water 6 to 10 hours after each application. Treatment may continue for up to 16 weeks.

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Imiquimod in adult patients.

Pediatric Indications and Dosage

FDA-Labeled Indications and Dosage (Pediatric)

External Genital Warts
  • ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75% is indicated for the treatment of external genital and perianal warts (EGW)/condyloma acuminata in patients 12 years or older.
  • Dosing information
  • Zyclara(R)
  • For the treatment of children 12 years and older with external genital and perianal warts/condyloma acuminata, apply up to 1 packet or 1 pump actuation of 3.75% cream topically to warts once daily at bedtime until total clearance or up to a duration of 8 weeks. Leave on the skin for 8 hours then wash area with mild soap and water.
  • Aldara(R)
  • For the treatment of external genital and perianal warts/condyloma acuminata in patients 12 years of age or older, apply up to one imiquimod 5% cream packet to the treatment area 3 times per week until total genital and perianal wart clearance or for a maximum duration of 16 weeks. Each imiquimod packet contains enough cream to cover a wart area of up to 20 square centimeters. Apply a thin layer of cream prior to normal sleeping hours and leave on the skin for 6 to 10 hours. Following each treatment period, remove the cream by washing the treated area with soap and water. Examples of 3 times per week application schedules are: Monday, Wednesday, and Friday or Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.

Off-Label Use and Dosage (Pediatric)

Guideline-Supported Use

Condyloma acuminatum, external - HIV infection

  • Recommendation: Pediatric, Class IIb
  • Strength of Evidence: Pediatric, Category C
  • Dosing information
  • For the treatment of uncomplicated external genital warts in children with human immunodeficiency virus, apply imiquimod 5% cream to the lesion at bedtime, 3 times per week on nonconsecutive nights. Wash with soap and water 6 to 10 hours after each application. Treatment may continue for up to 16 weeks.

Non–Guideline-Supported Use

There is limited information regarding Off-Label Non–Guideline-Supported Use of Imiquimod in pediatric patients.

Contraindications

  • None.

Warnings

Local Skin Reactions

  • Intense local skin reactions including skin weeping or erosion can occur after a few applications of ZYCLARA Cream and may require an interruption of dosing. ZYCLARA Cream has the potential to exacerbate inflammatory conditions of the skin, including chronic graft versus host disease.
  • Severe local inflammatory reactions of the female external genitalia can lead to severe vulvar swelling. Severe vulvar swelling can lead to urinary retention. Dosing should be interrupted or discontinued for severe vulvar swelling.
  • Administration of ZYCLARA Cream is not recommended until the skin is healed from any previous drug or surgical treatment.

Systemic Reactions

  • Flu-like signs and symptoms may accompany, or even precede, local skin reactions and may include fatigue, nausea, fever, myalgias, arthralgias, malaise and chills. An interruption of dosing and an assessment of the patient should be considered.
  • Lymphadenopathy occurred in 2% of subjects with actinic keratosis treated with ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75% and in 3% of subjects treated with ZYCLARA Cream, 2.5%. This reaction resolved in all subjects by 4 weeks after completion of treatment.

Ultraviolet Light Exposure Risks

  • Exposure to sunlight (including sunlamps) should be avoided or minimized during use of ZYCLARA Cream. Patients should be warned to use protective clothing (e.g., a hat) when using ZYCLARA Cream. Patients with sunburn should be advised not to use ZYCLARA Cream until fully recovered. Patients who may have considerable sun exposure, e.g. due to their occupation, and those patients with inherent sensitivity to sunlight should exercise caution when using ZYCLARA Cream.
  • In an animal photo-carcinogenicity study, imiquimod cream shortened the time to skin tumor formation. The enhancement of ultraviolet carcinogenicity is not necessarily dependent on phototoxic mechanisms. Therefore, patients should minimize or avoid natural or artificial sunlight exposure.

Increased Risk of Adverse Reactions with Concomitant Imiquimod Use

  • Concomitant use of ZYCLARA Cream and any other imiquimod products, in the same treatment area, should be avoided since they contain the same active ingredient (imiquimod) and may increase the risk for and severity of local skin reactions.
  • The safety of concomitant use of ZYCLARA Cream and any other imiquimod products has not been established and should be avoided since they contain the same active ingredient (imiquimod) and may increase the risk for and severity of systemic reactions.

Immune Cell Activation in Autoimmune Disease

  • ZYCLARA Cream should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing autoimmune conditions because imiquimod activates immune cells.

Adverse Reactions

Clinical Trials Experience

Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice.

Clinical Trials Experience: Actinic Keratosis

  • The data described below reflect exposure to ZYCLARA Cream or vehicle in 479 subjects enrolled in two double-blind, vehicle-controlled trials. Subjects applied up to two packets of ZYCLARA Cream or vehicle daily to the skin of the affected area (either entire face or balding scalp) for two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week no treatment period.
  • Overall, in the clinical trials, 11% (17/160) of subjects in the ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75% arm, 7% (11/160) of subjects in the ZYCLARA Cream, 2.5% arm, and 0% in the vehicle cream arm required rest periods due to adverse local skin reactions.
  • Other adverse reactions observed in subjects treated with ZYCLARA Cream include: application site bleeding, application site swelling, chills, dermatitis, herpes zoster, insomnia, lethargy, myalgia, pancytopenia, pruritus, squamous cell carcinoma, and vomiting.

Clinical Trials Experience: External Genital Warts

  • In two double-blind, placebo-controlled studies 602 subjects applied up to one packet of ZYCLARA Cream or vehicle daily for up to 8 weeks.
  • The most frequently reported adverse reactions were application site reactions and local skin reactions. Selected adverse reactions are listed in Table 3.
  • The frequency and severity of local skin reactions were similar in both genders, with the following exceptions: a) flaking/scaling occurred in 40% of men and in 26% of women and b) scabbing/crusting occurred in 34% of men and in 18% of women.
  • In the clinical trials, 32% (126/400) of subjects who used ZYCLARA Cream and 2% (4/202) of subjects who used vehicle cream discontinued treatment temporarily (required rest periods) due to adverse local skin reactions, and 1% (3/400) of subjects who used ZYCLARA Cream discontinued treatment permanently due to local skin/application site reactions.
  • Other adverse reactions reported in subjects treated with ZYCLARA Cream include: rash, back pain, application site rash, application site cellulitis, application site excoriation, application site bleeding, scrotal pain, scrotal erythema, scrotal ulcer, scrotal edema, sinusitis, nausea, pyrexia, and influenza-like symptoms.

Postmarketing Experience

  • The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of imiquimod. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure.
  • Application Site Disorders: tingling at the application site
  • Hepatic: abnormal liver function

Drug Interactions

  • Drug
  • Description

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category (FDA): C

  • There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women. ZYCLARA Cream should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
  • The animal multiples of human exposure calculations were based on daily dose comparisons for the reproductive toxicology studies described in this section and in Section 13.1. The animal multiples of human exposure were based on weekly dose comparisons for the carcinogenicity studies described in Section 13.1. For the animal multiple of human exposure ratios presented in this section and Section 13.1, the Maximum Recommended Human Dose (MRHD) was set at 2 packets (500 mg cream) per treatment of actinic keratosis with ZYCLARA Cream (imiquimod 3.75%, 18.75 mg imiquimod) for BSA comparison. The maximum human AUC value obtained in the treatment of external genital and perianal warts was higher than that obtained in the treatment of actinic keratosis and was used in the calculation of animal multiples of MRHD that were based on AUC comparison.
  • Systemic embryofetal development studies were conducted in rats and rabbits. Oral doses of 1, 5 and 20 mg/kg/day imiquimod were administered during the period of organogenesis (gestational days 6 – 15) to pregnant female rats. In the presence of maternal toxicity, fetal effects noted at 20 mg/kg/day (163× MRHD based on AUC comparisons) included increased resorptions, decreased fetal body weights, delays in skeletal ossification, bent limb bones, and two fetuses in one litter (2 of 1567 fetuses) demonstrated exencephaly, protruding tongues and low-set ears. No treatment related effects on embryofetal toxicity or teratogenicity were noted at 5 mg/kg/day (28× MRHD based on AUC comparisons).
  • Intravenous doses of 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg/day imiquimod were administered during the period of organogenesis (gestational days 6 – 18) to pregnant female rabbits. No treatment related effects on embryofetal toxicity or teratogenicity were noted at 2 mg/kg/day (2.1× MRHD based on BSA comparisons), the highest dose evaluated in this study, or 1 mg/kg/day (115× MRHD based on AUC comparisons).
  • A combined fertility and peri- and post-natal development study was conducted in rats. Oral doses of 1, 1.5, 3 and 6 mg/kg/day imiquimod were administered to male rats from 70 days prior to mating through the mating period and to female rats from 14 days prior to mating through parturition and lactation. No effects on growth, fertility, reproduction or post-natal development were noted at doses up to 6 mg/kg/day (25× MRHD based on AUC comparisons), the highest dose evaluated in this study. In the absence of maternal toxicity, bent limb bones were noted in the F1 fetuses at a dose of 6 mg/kg/day (25× MRHD based on AUC comparisons). This fetal effect was also noted in the oral rat embryofetal development study conducted with imiquimod. No treatment related effects on teratogenicity were noted at 3 mg/kg/day (12× MRHD based on AUC comparisons).


Pregnancy Category (AUS):

  • Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) Pregnancy Category
  • There is no Australian Drug Evaluation Committee (ADEC) guidance on usage of Imiquimod in women who are pregnant.

Labor and Delivery

  • There is no FDA guidance on use of Imiquimod during labor and delivery.

Nursing Mothers

  • It is not known whether imiquimod is excreted in human milk following use of ZYCLARA Cream. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when ZYCLARA Cream is administered to nursing women.

Pediatric Use

  • AK is a condition not generally seen within the pediatric population. The safety and effectiveness of ZYCLARA Cream for AK in patients less than 18 years of age have not been established.
  • Safety and effectiveness in patients with external genital/perianal warts below the age of 12 years have not been established.
  • Imiquimod 5% cream was evaluated in two randomized, vehicle-controlled, double-blind trials involving 702 pediatric subjects with molluscum contagiosum (MC) (470 exposed to imiquimod; median age 5 years, range 2–12 years). Subjects applied imiquimod cream or vehicle 3 times weekly for up to 16 weeks. Complete clearance (no MC lesions) was assessed at Week 18. In Study 1, the complete clearance rate was 24% (52/217) in the imiquimod cream group compared with 26% (28/106) in the vehicle group. In Study 2, the clearance rates were 24% (60/253) in the imiquimod cream group compared with 28% (35/126) in the vehicle group. These studies failed to demonstrate efficacy.
  • Similar to the studies conducted in adults, the most frequently reported adverse reaction from 2 studies in children with molluscum contagiosum was application site reaction. Adverse events which occurred more frequently in imiquimod-treated subjects compared with vehicle-treated subjects generally resembled those seen in studies in indications approved for adults and also included otitis media (5% imiquimod vs. 3% vehicle) and conjunctivitis (3% imiquimod vs. 2% vehicle).
  • Erythema was the most frequently reported local skin reaction. Severe local skin reactions reported by imiquimod-treated subjects in the pediatric studies included erythema (28%), edema (8%), scabbing/crusting (5%), flaking/scaling (5%), erosion (2%) and weeping/exudate (2%).
  • Systemic absorption of imiquimod across the affected skin of 22 subjects aged 2 to 12 years with extensive MC involving at least 10% of the total body surface area was observed after single and multiple doses at a dosing frequency of 3 applications per week for 4 weeks. The investigator determined the dose applied, either 1, 2 or 3 packets per dose, based on the size of the treatment area and the subject's weight. The overall median peak serum drug concentrations at the end of week 4 was between 0.26 and 1.06 ng/ml except in a 2-year old female who was administered 2 packets of study drug per dose, had a Cmax of 9.66 ng/mL after multiple dosing. Children aged 2–5 years received doses of 12.5 mg (one packet) or 25 mg (two packets) of imiquimod and had median multiple-dose peak serum drug levels of approximately 0.2 or 0.5 ng/mL, respectively. Children aged 6–12 years received doses of 12.5 mg, 25 mg, or 37.5 mg (three packets) and had median multiple dose serum drug levels of approximately 0.1, 0.15, or 0.3 ng/mL, respectively. Among the 20 subjects with evaluable laboratory assessments, the median WBC count decreased by 1.4*109/L and the median absolute neutrophil count decreased by 1.42*109/L.

Geriatic Use

  • Of the 320 subjects treated with ZYCLARA Cream in the AK clinical studies, 150 subjects (47%) were 65 years or older. No overall differences in safety or effectiveness were observed between these subjects and younger subjects.
  • Clinical studies of ZYCLARA Cream for EGW did not include sufficient numbers of subjects aged 65 and over to determine whether they respond differently from younger subjects. Of the 400 subjects treated with ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75% in the EGW clinical studies, 5 subjects (1%) were 65 years or older.

Gender

  • There is no FDA guidance on the use of Imiquimod with respect to specific gender populations.

Race

  • There is no FDA guidance on the use of Imiquimod with respect to specific racial populations.

Renal Impairment

  • There is no FDA guidance on the use of Imiquimod in patients with renal impairment.

Hepatic Impairment

  • There is no FDA guidance on the use of Imiquimod in patients with hepatic impairment.

Females of Reproductive Potential and Males

  • There is no FDA guidance on the use of Imiquimod in women of reproductive potentials and males.

Immunocompromised Patients

  • There is no FDA guidance one the use of Imiquimod in patients who are immunocompromised.

Administration and Monitoring

Administration

  • For topical use only; ZYCLARA Cream is not for oral, ophthalmic, intra-anal or intravaginal use.

Actinic Keratosis

  • ZYCLARA Cream should be applied once daily before bedtime to the skin of the affected area (either entire face or balding scalp) for two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week no-treatment period. ZYCLARA Cream should be applied as a thin film to the entire treatment area and rubbed in until the cream is no longer visible. Up to 0.5 grams (2 packets or 2 full actuations of the pump) of ZYCLARA Cream may be applied to the treatment area at each application. ZYCLARA Cream should be left on the skin for approximately 8 hours, after which time the cream should be removed by washing the area with mild soap and water. The prescriber should demonstrate the proper application technique to maximize the benefit of ZYCLARA Cream therapy.
  • Patients should wash their hands before and after applying ZYCLARA Cream.
  • Avoid use in or on the lips and nostrils. Do not use in or near the eyes.
  • Local skin reactions in the treatment area are common. A rest period of several days may be taken if required by the patient's discomfort or severity of the local skin reaction. However, neither 2-week treatment cycle should be extended due to missed doses or rest periods. A transient increase in lesion counts may be observed during treatment. Response to treatment cannot be adequately assessed until resolution of local skin reactions. The patient should continue dosing as prescribed. Treatment should continue for the full treatment course even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone. Lesions that do not respond to treatment should be carefully re-evaluated and management reconsidered.
  • Prescribe no more than 2 boxes (56 packets), two 7.5g pumps or one 15g pump for the total 2-cycle treatment course. Partially-used packets should be discarded and not reused.

External Genital Warts

  • Patients should apply a thin layer of ZYCLARA Cream once a day to the external genital/perianal warts until total clearance or for up to 8 weeks. Patients should use up to 0.25 grams (one packet or one full actuation of the pump) at each application, which is a sufficient amount of cream to cover the wart area. ZYCLARA Cream should be applied prior to normal sleeping hours and left on the skin for approximately 8 hours, then removed by washing the area with mild soap and water. The prescriber should demonstrate the proper application technique to maximize the benefit of ZYCLARA Cream therapy.
  • Patients should wash their hands before and after applying ZYCLARA Cream.
  • Local skin reactions at the treatment site are common, and may necessitate a rest period of several days; resume treatment once the reaction subsides. Non-occlusive dressings such as cotton gauze or cotton underwear may be used in the management of skin reactions.
  • Prescribe up to 2 boxes (56 packets), two 7.5g pumps or one 15g pump for the total treatment course. Use of excessive amounts of cream should be avoided. Partially-used packets should be discarded and not reused.

Pump Administration

  • ZYCLARA (imiquimod) Cream pumps should be primed before using for the first time by repeatedly depressing the actuator until cream is dispensed. It is not necessary to repeat this priming process during treatment.

Dosage forms and strengths

  • ZYCLARA Cream, 2.5% is a white to faintly yellow cream available in single-use packets and pump bottles. Each packet administers 0.25 grams of cream and each pump bottle, when actuated after priming, delivers 0.235 grams of cream (a similar amount as one packet).
  • ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75% is a white to faintly yellow cream available in single-use packets and pump bottles. Each packet administers 0.25 grams of cream and each pump bottle, when actuated after priming, delivers 0.235 grams of cream (a similar amount as one packet).

Monitoring

There is limited information regarding Monitoring of Imiquimod in the drug label.

  • Description

IV Compatibility

  • There is limited information regarding IV Compatibility of Imiquimod in the drug label.

Overdosage

  • Topical overdosing of ZYCLARA Cream could result in an increased incidence of severe local skin reactions and may increase the risk for systemic reactions.
  • Hypotension was reported in a clinical trial following multiple oral imiquimod doses of >200 mg (equivalent to ingestion of the imiquimod content of more than 21 packets or pump actuations of ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75% or more than 32 packets or pump actuations of ZYCLARA Cream, 2.5%). The hypotension resolved following oral or intravenous fluid administration.

Pharmacology

Mechanism of Action

  • The mechanism of action of ZYCLARA Cream in treating AK and EGW lesions is unknown.

Structure

  • ZYCLARA (imiquimod) Cream, 2.5% or 3.75% is intended for topical administration. Each gram contains 25 mg or 37.5 mg of imiquimod, respectively, in a white to faintly yellow oil-in-water cream base consisting of isostearic acid, cetyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, white petrolatum, polysorbate 60, sorbitan monostearate, glycerin, xanthan gum, purified water, benzyl alcohol, methylparaben, and propylparaben.
  • Chemically, imiquimod is 1-(2-methylpropyl)-1H-imidazol[4,5-c]quinolin-4-amine. Imiquimod has a molecular formula of C14H16N4 and a molecular weight of 240.3. Its structural formula is:
  • ZYCLARA (imiquimod) Cream, 2.5% and 3.75% come as premeasured packets containing 6.25 mg and 9.4 mg of imiquimod, respectively, in 0.25 g of cream. ZYCLARA (imiquimod) Cream, 2.5% and 3.75% also come in pumps which dispense 5.9 mg or 8.8 mg of imiquimod, respectively, in 0.235 g of cream per full actuation of the pump after priming.

Pharmacodynamics

The pharmacodynamics of ZYCLARA Cream are unknown.

  • Imiquimod is a Toll-like receptor 7 agonist that activates immune cells. Topical application to skin is associated with increases in markers for cytokines and immune cells.

Actinic Keratosis

  • In a study of 18 subjects with AK comparing imiquimod cream, 5% to vehicle, increases from baseline in week 2 biomarker levels were reported for CD3, CD4, CD8, CD11c, and CD68 for imiquimod cream, 5% treated subjects; however, the clinical relevance of these findings is unknown.

External Genital Warts

  • Imiquimod has no direct antiviral activity in cell culture.

Pharmacokinetics

  • Following dosing with 2 packets of ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75% once daily (18.75 mg imiquimod/day) for up to three weeks, systemic absorption of imiquimod was observed in all subjects when ZYCLARA Cream was applied to the face and/or scalp in 17 subjects with at least 10 AK lesions. The mean peak serum imiquimod concentration at the end of the trial was approximately 0.323 ng/mL. The median time to maximal concentrations (Tmax) occurred at 9 hours after dosing. Based on the plasma half-life of imiquimod observed at the end of the study, 29.3±17.0 hours, steady-state concentrations can be anticipated to occur by day 7 with once daily dosing.
  • Systemic absorption of imiquimod (up to 9.4 mg [one packet]) across the affected skin of 18 subjects with EGW was observed with once daily dosing for 3 weeks in all subjects. The subjects had either a minimum of 8 warts (range 8–93) or a surface area involvement of greater than 100mm2 (range 15–620mm2) at study entry. The mean peak serum imiquimod concentration at Day 21 was 0.488 +/- 0.368 ng/mL. The median time to maximal concentrations (Tmax) occurred 12 hours after dosing. Based on the plasma half-life of imiquimod observed at the end of the study, 24.1+/- 12.4 hours, steady-state concentrations can be anticipated to occur by day 7 with once daily dosing. Because of the small number of subjects present (13 males, 5 females) it was not possible to select out or do an analysis of absorption based on gender/site of application.

Nonclinical Toxicology

Carcinogenesis, Mutagenesis, Impairment of Fertility

  • In an oral (gavage) rat carcinogenicity study, imiquimod was administered to Wistar rats on a 2×/week (up to 6 mg/kg/day) or daily (3 mg/kg/day) dosing schedule for 24 months. No treatment related tumors were noted in the oral rat carcinogenicity study up to the highest doses tested in this study of 6 mg/kg administered 2×/week in female rats (7.1× MRHD based on weekly AUC comparisons), 4 mg/kg administered 2×/week in male rats (6.1× MRHD based on weekly AUC comparisons) or 3 mg/kg administered 7×/week to male and female rats (12× MRHD based on weekly AUC comparisons).
  • In a dermal mouse carcinogenicity study, imiquimod cream (up to 5 mg/kg/application imiquimod or 0.3% imiquimod cream) was applied to the backs of mice 3×/week for 24 months. A statistically significant increase in the incidence of liver adenomas and carcinomas was noted in high dose male mice compared to control male mice (21× MRHD based on weekly AUC comparisons). An increased number of skin papillomas was observed in vehicle cream control group animals at the treated site only.
  • In a 52-week dermal photo-carcinogenicity study, the median time to onset of skin tumor formation was decreased in hairless mice following chronic topical dosing (3×/week; 40 weeks of treatment followed by 12 weeks of observation) with concurrent exposure to UV radiation (5 days per week) with vehicle alone. No additional effect on tumor development beyond the vehicle effect was noted with the addition of the active ingredient, imiquimod, to the vehicle cream.
  • Imiquimod revealed no evidence of mutagenic or clastogenic potential based on the results of five in vitro genotoxicity tests (Ames assay, mouse lymphoma L5178Y assay, Chinese hamster ovary cell chromosome aberration assay, human lymphocyte chromosome aberration assay and SHE cell transformation assay) and three in vivo genotoxicity tests (rat and hamster bone marrow cytogenetics assay and a mouse dominant lethal test).
  • Daily oral administration of imiquimod to rats, throughout mating, gestation, parturition and lactation, demonstrated no effects on growth, fertility or reproduction, at doses up to 25× MRHD based on AUC comparisons.

Clinical Studies

Actinic Keratosis

  • In two double-blind, randomized, vehicle-controlled clinical studies, 479 subjects with AK were treated with ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75%, ZYCLARA Cream, 2.5%, or vehicle cream. Studies enrolled subjects 18 years of age or older with 5 to 20 typical visible or palpable AK lesions of the face or scalp. Study cream was applied to either the entire face (excluding ears) or balding scalp once daily for two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week no-treatment period. Subjects then continued in the study for an 8-week follow-up period during which they returned for clinical observations and safety monitoring. Study subjects ranged from 36 to 90 years of age and 54% had Fitzpatrick skin type I or II. All ZYCLARA Cream-treated subjects were Caucasians.
  • On a scheduled dosing day, up to two packets of the study cream were applied to the entire treatment area prior to normal sleeping hours and left on for approximately 8 hours. Efficacy was assessed by AK lesion counts at the 8-week post-treatment visit. All AKs in the treatment area were counted, including baseline lesions as well as lesions which appeared during therapy.
  • Complete clearance required absence of any lesions including those that appeared during therapy in the treatment area. Complete and partial clearance rates are shown in the tables below. Partial clearance rate was defined as the percentage of subjects in whom the number of baseline AKs was reduced by 75% or more. The partial clearance rate was measured relative to the numbers of AK lesions at baseline.
  • During the course of treatment, 86% (138/160) of ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75% subjects and 84% (135/160) of ZYCLARA Cream, 2.5% subjects experienced a transient increase in lesions evaluated as actinic keratoses relative to the number present at baseline within the treatment area.

External Genital Warts

  • In two double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical studies, 601 subjects with EGW were treated with 3.75% imiquimod cream, or a matching placebo cream. Studies enrolled subjects aged from 15 to 81 years. The baseline wart area ranged from 6 to 5579 mm2 (median 60 mm2) and the baseline wart count ranged from 2 to 48 warts. Most subjects had two or more treated anatomic areas at baseline. Anatomic areas included: inguinal, perineal, and perianal areas (both genders); the glans penis, penis shaft, scrotum, and foreskin (in men); and the vulva (in women). Up to one packet of study cream was applied once daily. The study cream was applied to all warts prior to normal sleeping hours and left on for approximately 8 hours. Subjects continued applying the study cream for up to 8 weeks, stopping if they achieved complete clearance of all (baseline and new) warts in all anatomic areas. Subjects who achieved complete clearance of all warts at any time up to the Week 16 visit enter a 12 week follow-up period to assess recurrence.
  • Complete clearance was defined as clearance of all warts (baseline and new) in all anatomic areas within 16 weeks from baseline. The complete clearance rates are shown in Table 7. The proportions of subjects who achieved complete clearance at or before a given week (cumulative proportion) for the combined studies are shown in Figure 1. Complete clearance rates by gender for the combined studies are shown in Table 8.
  • Of the 113 ZYCLARA Cream, 3.75%-treated subjects who achieved complete clearance in the two studies, 17 (15%) subjects had a recurrence within 12 weeks.
  • No studies were conducted directly comparing the 3.75% and 5% concentrations of imiquimod cream in the treatment of external genital warts.

How Supplied

  • ZYCLARA (imiquimod) Cream, 2.5% or 3.75% is white to faintly yellow in color and supplied in single-use plastic laminate packets which contain 0.25 g of the cream available as:
  • Box of 28 packets containing 2.5% cream NDC 99207-275-28.
  • Box of 28 packets containing 3.75% cream NDC 99207-270-28.
  • ZYCLARA (imiquimod) Cream, 2.5% and 3.75% is also supplied as white plastic 30 mL pump bottles, equipped with a white cap. The 7.5 g pump delivers no fewer than 28 full actuations. The 15 g pump delivers no fewer than 56 full actuations.
  • 7.5 g of the 2.5% cream, NDC 99207-276-75.
  • 15 g of the 2.5% cream, NDC 99207-276-15.
  • 7.5 g of the 3.75% cream, NDC 99207-271-75.
  • 15 g of the 3.75% cream, NDC 99207-271-15.

Storage

  • Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Avoid freezing.
  • Store ZYCLARA Cream pumps upright.

Images

Drug Images

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Patient Counseling Information

"See FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information)"

Instructions for Administration

  • ZYCLARA Cream should be used as directed by a physician. ZYCLARA Cream is for external use only. Contact with the eyes, lips, nostrils, anus and vagina should be avoided.
  • The treatment area should not be bandaged or otherwise occluded. Partially-used packets should be discarded and not reused. Pumps should be discarded after completion of a full treatment course. The prescriber should demonstrate the proper application technique to maximize the benefit of ZYCLARA Cream therapy.
  • It is recommended that patients wash their hands before and after applying ZYCLARA Cream.

Local Skin Reactions

  • Patients may experience local skin reactions during treatment with ZYCLARA Cream. Potential local skin reactions include erythema, edema, erosions/ulcerations, weeping/exudate, flaking/scaling/dryness, and scabbing/crusting. These reactions can range from mild to severe in intensity and may extend beyond the application site onto the surrounding skin. Patients may also experience application site reactions such as itching, irritation or pain.
  • Local skin reactions may be of such an intensity that patients may require rest periods from treatment. Treatment with ZYCLARA Cream can be resumed after the skin reaction has subsided, as determined by the physician. However, for actinic keratosis, each treatment cycle should not be extended beyond 2 weeks due to missed doses or rest periods. For external genital warts, treatment should not be extended beyond 8 weeks due to missed doses or rest periods. Patients should contact their physician promptly if they experience any sign or symptom at the application site that restricts or prohibits their daily activity or makes continued application of the cream difficult.
  • Because of local skin reactions, during treatment and until healed, the treatment area is likely to appear noticeably different from normal skin. Localized hypopigmentation and hyperpigmentation have been reported following use of imiquimod cream. These skin color changes may be permanent in some patients.

Systemic Reactions

  • Patients may experience flu-like systemic signs and symptoms during treatment with ZYCLARA Cream. Systemic signs and symptoms may include fatigue, nausea, fever, myalgia, malaise, arthralgia, and chills. An interruption of dosing and an assessment of the patient should be considered.

Patients Being Treated for Actinic Keratosis (AK)

  • Dosing is once daily before bedtime to the skin of the affected area (entire face or balding scalp) for two 2-week treatment cycles separated by a 2-week no-treatment period. However, the treatment period should not be extended beyond two 2-week treatment cycles due to missed doses or rest periods. Treatment should continue for the full treatment course even if all actinic keratoses appear to be gone.
  • It is recommended that patients wash their hands before and after applying ZYCLARA Cream. Before applying the cream, the patient should wash the treatment area with mild soap and water and allow the area to dry thoroughly.
  • It is recommended that the treatment area be washed with mild soap and water 8 hours following ZYCLARA Cream application.
  • Most patients using ZYCLARA Cream for the treatment of AK experience erythema, flaking/scaling/dryness and scabbing/crusting at the application site with normal dosing.
  • Use of sunscreen is encouraged, and patients should minimize or avoid exposure to natural or artificial sunlight (tanning beds or UVA/B treatment) while using ZYCLARA Cream.
  • Additional lesions may become apparent in the treatment area during treatment.

Patients Being Treated for External Genital Warts (EGW)

  • Dosing is once daily before bedtime to the skin of the affected wart areas. ZYCLARA Cream treatment should continue until there is total clearance of the genital/perianal warts or for up to 8 weeks.
  • It is recommended that the treatment area be washed with mild soap and water approximately 8 hours following ZYCLARA Cream application.
  • It is common for patients to experience local skin reactions such as erythema, erosion, exudate, flaking/scaling, scabbing/crusting and edema at the site of application or surrounding areas.
  • Sexual (genital, anal, oral) contact should be avoided while ZYCLARA Cream is on the skin. Application of ZYCLARA Cream in the vagina is considered internal and should be avoided. Female patients should take special care if applying the cream at the opening of the vagina because local skin reactions on the delicate moist surfaces can result in pain or swelling, and may cause difficulty in passing urine.
  • Uncircumcised males treating warts under the foreskin should retract the foreskin and clean the area daily.
  • New warts may develop during therapy, as ZYCLARA Cream is not a cure.
  • The effect of ZYCLARA Cream on the transmission of genital/perianal warts is unknown.
  • ZYCLARA Cream may weaken condoms and vaginal diaphragms, therefore concurrent use is not recommended.
  • Should severe local skin reaction occur, the cream should be removed by washing the treatment area with mild soap and water.

Precautions with Alcohol

  • Alcohol-Imiquimod interaction has not been established. Talk to your doctor about the effects of taking alcohol with this medication.

Brand Names

Aldara, Zyclara.

Look-Alike Drug Names

Drug Shortage Status

Price

References

The contents of this FDA label are provided by the National Library of Medicine.

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